The Power of DEI in the Workplace: More Than Just a Policy
On this episode of The Collaborative Canvas, I had the honor of speaking with Lisa Dutta Singh—a corporate lawyer with over 18 years of experience working across global corporations and regulatory frameworks. What unfolded was one of the most insightful and necessary conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s corporate landscape.
Lisa began by stating something simple yet powerful: “DEI is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business one.” This statement set the tone for the rest of our conversation. In a world where innovation, agility, and culture are the defining metrics of business success, DEI is no longer a “good to have.” It is foundational.
She took us through the core differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion—words often used interchangeably but holding distinct value.
While diversity focuses on representation, inclusion ensures a sense of belonging, and equity is about meeting people where they are and giving them what they need to thrive. Her analogy of children of varying heights trying to watch a football game over a wall made the difference between equality and equity crystal clear.
From legal frameworks to lived experiences, Lisa unpacked how DEI practices translate into tangible outcomes. Citing McKinsey’s Diversity Wins reports from 2015 to 2023, she highlighted how companies with diverse teams, especially those with over 30% women, outperform competitors in productivity and innovation. These aren't just theories; they’re data-backed strategies that transform business results.
We also discussed how India is moving forward in this space, not just culturally but legally. From constitutional provisions like Articles 14, 15, and 16 to landmark judgments such as Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, Lisa explained how our legal system protects the rights of all identities. She elaborated on key legislation like the POSH Act, Equal Remuneration Act, Transgender Persons Act, and the Maternity Benefits Amendment—all of which aim to foster fairness in the workplace.
The conversation went deeper into POSH compliance—why organisations must form unbiased internal committees, ensure female leadership on these panels, and take employee training seriously. She also emphasized that inclusivity is not limited to gender. Laws today consider gig workers, the LGBTQ+ community, and the differently-abled as vital parts of the workforce.
Lisa’s personal passion for DEI came through powerfully. For her, it isn’t just about policy or compliance—it’s about building organisations where fairness, empathy, and respect are the foundation. It’s about creating environments where people don’t just survive, but thrive.
If you're a business leader, HR professional, team manager—or simply someone who wants to build a better workplace—this episode is a must-listen. It challenges outdated beliefs, presents actionable insights, and opens your eyes to the real impact of inclusive leadership.
Lisa began by stating something simple yet powerful: “DEI is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business one.” This statement set the tone for the rest of our conversation. In a world where innovation, agility, and culture are the defining metrics of business success, DEI is no longer a “good to have.” It is foundational.
She took us through the core differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion—words often used interchangeably but holding distinct value.
While diversity focuses on representation, inclusion ensures a sense of belonging, and equity is about meeting people where they are and giving them what they need to thrive. Her analogy of children of varying heights trying to watch a football game over a wall made the difference between equality and equity crystal clear.
From legal frameworks to lived experiences, Lisa unpacked how DEI practices translate into tangible outcomes. Citing McKinsey’s Diversity Wins reports from 2015 to 2023, she highlighted how companies with diverse teams, especially those with over 30% women, outperform competitors in productivity and innovation. These aren't just theories; they’re data-backed strategies that transform business results.
We also discussed how India is moving forward in this space, not just culturally but legally. From constitutional provisions like Articles 14, 15, and 16 to landmark judgments such as Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, Lisa explained how our legal system protects the rights of all identities. She elaborated on key legislation like the POSH Act, Equal Remuneration Act, Transgender Persons Act, and the Maternity Benefits Amendment—all of which aim to foster fairness in the workplace.
The conversation went deeper into POSH compliance—why organisations must form unbiased internal committees, ensure female leadership on these panels, and take employee training seriously. She also emphasized that inclusivity is not limited to gender. Laws today consider gig workers, the LGBTQ+ community, and the differently-abled as vital parts of the workforce.
Lisa’s personal passion for DEI came through powerfully. For her, it isn’t just about policy or compliance—it’s about building organisations where fairness, empathy, and respect are the foundation. It’s about creating environments where people don’t just survive, but thrive.
If you're a business leader, HR professional, team manager—or simply someone who wants to build a better workplace—this episode is a must-listen. It challenges outdated beliefs, presents actionable insights, and opens your eyes to the real impact of inclusive leadership.
Inspired from episode: The Power of DEI in the Workplace: More Than Just a Policy
Listen to the full episode with “Leeza Dutta Singh” on The Collaborative Canvas Podcast—now streaming on YouTube and Spotify.
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